Check the tyre speed rating

It refers to the maximum speed for which your tyre is legally approved. Buy the wrong tyre and your insurance could be invalid.

The speed rating should be matched to the official top speed your car can do. The table below can help you choose the right tyre at a glance.

Tyre speed ratings

Speed symbol

Max speed mph

Max speed km/h

Speed symbol

Max speed mph

Max speed km/h

M

81

130

H

130

210

P

93

150

V

150

240

Q

99

160

W

169

270

R

106

170

Y

187

300

S

112

180

ZR

Over 150

Over 240

T

118

190

Make sure your tyres work well together

It’s very important that any new tyres are compatible with existing tyres, and that they are all the same size, load and speed rating as each other.

Tyre labelling

When you buy a new tyre, you’ll see a label on it, a bit similar to the energy-saving advice labels you find on cookers and fridges. Since 2012, EU legislation has stated that all tyres must be labelled on an A-G scale to indicate their fuel economy, braking and external noise levels.

It might seem a bit baffling at first, but an A-rated tyre can save you £80 on fuel for the lifespan of the tyre, so it could be worth paying a bit more. For more info, visit our tyre information page.

Which brand to buy?

Not all tyres are created equal. Premium brands like Hankook and Michelin are pricier but will last you longer, while mid-range brands like Uniroyal will offer good durability, depending on your driving style.

There are also quality budget options that will do the job just as well. Arnold Clark exclusively stocks Orium tyres, which offer safe and effective all-round performance from just £28.

Have them professionally fitted

It’s not expensive to have tyres professionally fitted and it’s a lot more convenient than doing it yourself. Here’s a sample price guide so you can see what you might pay for your car’s tyres to be replaced.

Tread carefully

Tyres are usually guaranteed for around five or six years, but that can vary depending on your driving style. So it’s a good idea to check the tread depth regularly. It’s vital that your tyres have a legal tread depth above 1.6mm, as anything below that is illegal.

A simple way to check them is by inserting a 20p coin into the groove in the tyre – if you can see the outer edge of the coin, it’s time to change. However, you can also book a free tyre safety check to make sure.